Method for renewing program files of a programmable mobile telecommunications terminal

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a method for renewing program files of a programmable, mobile telecommunications terminal, according to which the program files are transmitted from a telecommunications network to the telecommunications terminal via the air interface. The aim of the invention is to allow the program files to be renewed in a simple and cost-effective manner and with little effort. To achieve this, the terminal type is determined by the telecommunications network, new program files that exist in devices of the telecommunications network, or are available elsewhere are determined and made available for the identified terminal type and the existing new program files are automatically transmitted to the terminal via the air interface.

The present invention relates to a method for renewing program files, for example in the form of software upgrades, of a programmable mobile telecommunications terminal, in particular a mobile radio terminal.

Modern technical appliances, such as mobile telecommunications terminals as well, contain electronic and mechanical hardware and corresponding software in the form of program files for controlling the operation of the hardware. Mobile radio terminals essentially comprise a data processing device with processor and memory means, a transmitting and receiving device, a display device as well as an input device. These devices are controlled via software that is stored in the memory means.

As the technology is increasingly developed further, software upgrades are repeatedly required for telecommunications terminals, in particular mobile radio terminals, as well. Such requirements can occur as a result of defects in the appliance, which occur only during operation. Furthermore, software upgrades can arise for mobile radio terminals by the network operator introducing new functionalities or services within a mobile radio network. A network operator does not want to adversely affect the operability of already delivered mobile radio terminals by the introduction of new services. However, if new network services have a negative influence on the operation of the terminal, or if use of the new service is impossible, then a software upgrade is required for this terminal. In this case, the network operator is responsible for the software upgrade for the terminals.

So-called programmable mobile radios are prior art. Terminals such as these are generally supplied with new software via an interface. This type of software upgrade can normally not be carried out by the subscriber or the terminal user himself. To do this, the terminals must be sent to appropriate facilities with the network operator or the appliance manufacturer. This means costly recall of the corresponding appliances for the situation when new network services necessitate a software upgrade.

Recently, it has been possible to renew the software standard of a terminal via the Internet. In this case, the terminal user loads the new terminal software via the Internet, for example into his personal computer. The terminal software is then loaded into the terminal via an interface between the PC and the terminal, generally an RS232 or infrared interface. However, only those with appropriate technical skills and Internet access have this capability. A further major disadvantage of both methods is that the subscriber or the terminal user must himself be appropriately active.

The object of the invention is to specify a method for renewing program files of a programmable mobile telecommunications terminal, which is simple, cost-effective and involves little effort.

According to the invention, the object is achieved by the features specified in claim 1.

The advantage of the invention is that the process of renewing program files for mobile radios within a mobile radio network can be automated and can be carried out independently of the location. It is thus possible to upgrade the software for a terminal without the terminal user having to be active or being aware of this. Furthermore, this drastically reduces the efforts and the costs for a software upgrade, for example those that would be incurred with a recall action, both for the terminal user and for the network operator or manufacturer.

The basic idea of this invention is to distribute the program files to be renewed for a mobile terminal by means of the existing data services within a mobile radio network. The terminal receives the new program files, and automatically uses them to replace the old program files. This method does not require any additional equipment.

Since the mobile radio networks will in future offer services using ever higher data rates, for example GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) or UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunication Service), it is possible to transmit even relatively extensive program files via radio networks. The program parts of the terminal software will be transmitted via these high-speed data services of a radio network to the respective terminals which need to be upgraded.

Furthermore, the implementation of this invention requires a terminal which can receive and store new software parts during operation. Once all the new software parts have been received completely, the terminal automatically carries out a software change.

The invention advantageously allows automatic identification of the need to replace terminal software. Each terminal has a unique appliance number, the so-called IMEI (International Manufacturer Equipment Identity). The terminal type can be determined from this IMEI number. Whenever a connection is set up between the mobile radio network and the terminal, the IMEI is generally passed to the mobile radio network. If new software is required for certain terminal types when a new service or a new function is introduced, then the network operator can identify the terminals on the basis of this IMEI. Following identification, the network operator can initiate the renewing of the terminal software in accordance with the invention. This process may be automated.

An exemplary embodiment of the invention will be explained with reference to the drawing FIGURE.

The mobile radio terminal 1 illustrated in the example comprises, in a known manner, a radio part 2, essentially comprising a transmitter 3, a receiver 4 and an antenna 5, a data processing part 6, essentially comprising a processor 7 and a memory 8, and a control part 9, essentially comprising a display 10 and a keyboard 11. The data processing part 6 and the radio part 2 as well as the control part 9 are controlled via software, which includes a number of program files and is stored in the memory 8.

The mobile radio terminal communicates with base stations 13 in the mobile radio network 1. According to the invention, new program files for the mobile radio terminal 1 may be kept available in a service facility 14, which is linked to the mobile radio network 12.

Whenever a connection is set up between the mobile radio network 12, 13 and the terminal 1, the IMEI is passed to the mobile radio network 12. The terminal 1 is identified in the service facility 14 on the basis of its IMEI. If there is new software for the terminal 1, then the renewing of the terminal software is initiated in accordance with the invention. The new program files are transferred to the terminal 1 from the service facility 14 via the mobile radio network 12, 13, and are stored in the memory 8. The new program files are then installed.

List of Reference Symbols

-   1 Mobile radio terminal -   2 Radio part -   3 Transmitter -   4 Receiver -   5 Antenna -   6 Data processing part -   7 Processor -   8 Memory -   9 Control part -   10 Display -   11 Keyboard -   12 Mobile radio network -   13 Base station -   14 Service facility 

1. A method for renewing program files of a programmable, mobile telecommunications terminal (1), in which the program files are transmitted by a telecommunications network (12) via an air interface to the telecommunications terminal, distinguished by the following steps: determination of the terminal type by the telecommunications network on the basis of the IMEI for the terminal (1), determination and provision of new program files (which are present in devices (14) in the telecommunications network or are available elsewhere, for the terminal type determined, and automatic transfer of the existing new program files via the air interface to the terminal (1).
 2. The method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the program files are automatically installed in the terminal (1), or existing program files are automatically replaced by new program files.
 3. (cancelled).
 4. (cancelled).
 5. The method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the terminal (1) receives and stores program files or parts of program files from the telecommunications network (1) during operation, and installs these program files automatically once they have been received completely.
 6. The method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the transfer and installation of the program files take place only after acceptance by the user of the terminal (1). 